About Japanese studies

We have one of the most extensive Japanese study programs in Australia, engaging you with Japanese language, culture and society. Flexible entry points (beginners, intermediate and proficient) ensure language study at a level that suits your background.

Why choose Japanese studies?

Communicating in Japanese and being sensitive to diverse international contexts are useful complements to any course of study, whether it’s law, business or the visual arts. We’re cross-disciplinary which means we study Japanese from a variety of perspectives – historical, artistic, religious, political, international – especially within the broader Asian context.

What will you study?

You can study Japanese language at levels ranging from introductory to advanced, beginning at the point most appropriate to your study background. As you develop your proficiency in the language, you’ll also gain a broad understanding of Japan through topics such as:

• Linguistics/applied linguistics
• Contemporary society and culture
• History
• Translation.

Choose from a range of Japan-related units, including:

• Contemporary Japan
• Japanese language in action
• Japanese popular culture and identity
• Japanese studies advanced: Literature and film
• Japanese communication in professional settings.

What careers will you be ready for?

Japanese studies provides options for a future in:

• Trade and tourism
• Government
• Law
• Education
• International relations.

Our Manga Library first of its kind

Monash’s Manga Library has a collection of more than 7,000 manga (graphic novels), covering all genres in Japanese, English and other languages. The library is also a social space for you to interact and share your passion for all things Japanese. It’s located in the Japanese Studies Centre, a unique building that underlines Monash’s strong commitment to the study of Japan.

Global study

With Monash’s impressive international links, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Japanese language and culture to enhance your learning.

Short term programs:

• Producing and consuming Japan: A study tour through western Japan
• Intensive language study programs in destinations such as Osaka University.

Exchange programs to Japan include:

• Chiba University
• Hitotsubashi University
• Nagoya University
• Saitama University
• University of Tokyo
• Waseda University.

GIG: Global Immersion Guarantee

The Monash Arts Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) is an award-winning initiative that will enable you to explore first-hand the relationships between society, technology and the environment. It’s a two- week, funded study trip for all eligible first- year Monash Arts, single or double degree students to one of six destinations – China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia or the Pacific Islands.

Australia’s leading university language program

When you study languages at Monash, you'll be studying at Australia’s largest international university, ranked in the top 1% in the world for Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences. We offer the most comprehensive, flexible and well-integrated program incorporating language acquisition with cultural competence. Choose from a wide range of Asian and European languages: Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean; and French, German, Italian, and Spanish and Latin American studies (within the European Languages Area of Study). Find out more about Languages at Monash.